Page 40 of Freed By Fire
But I find myself pocketing the card anyway, and it feels heavy as Olivia returns a short while later, and we go back to the manor.
Chapter Eight
Mason
“You were only being kept as a precaution.” I gesture to the glass on my desk and watch Thatcher shift from one foot to the other, his hair plastered to his forehead, and his left eye twitching. “After the past few weeks, I’m sure you can understand why we had to detain you.”
“I’m not foolish enough to try going after the Paynes alone,” Thatcher snaps.
I lean back in my chair and smile. “Good.”
Thatcher’s eyes gleam. “But make no mistake, when your enemies swoop in—and they will get to you eventually—I’m going to make sure I’m there to watch them burn every last piece of this fucking place to the ground.”
My smile disappears as I study the old man. “You’re still my prisoner, Thatcher. It would be unfortunate if something were to happen if you were in my custody. But you know how these things go.”
Thatcher loses some of his nerve and stops in front of my desk. “You won’t risk the wrath of the Thayers.”
I snort. “What wrath? You and I both know you’re not going to do a damn thing, and neither will Elise. She and I have an understanding.”
And she knows better than to risk me leaking word of her betrayal to the wrong people.
Elise has bitten off more than she can chew, but at least she knows when to fall in line.
If only her father were half as smart.
It’s a shame they’ll never consider Elise as the next head of the family once I’m done with her.
With Thatcher gone, the Thayers’ allies are probably ripping each other apart to see who will come out on top.
Thatcher’s absence has created a vacuum, and I know Elise will fight tooth and nail, but the odds aren’t in her favor.
Having her in a seat of power could be used to my advantage, provided I make sure her father is returned alive.
She didn’t, however, say anything about what state he ought to be returned in.
Given his proximity during the past few weeks, a few bumps and bruises won’t raise too many eyebrows, and I’m itching to dole out the punishment.
In the meantime, with Elise in my back pocket, I have one less problem to worry about.
Thatcher scowls. “I’m going to enjoy watching you burn, you miserable fuck.”
I gesture to Katia, who advances on him. “Make sure you escort our guest outside and give him one of your special surprises.”
The color drains from Thatcher’s face as he swallows. “You will not lay a hand on me.”
Katia’s chuckle fills the room and makes Thatcher inch away. “This is my favorite part, you know.”
Thatcher sputters and tries to move away, but trips and falls.
Katia waits as he tries to pull himself back up to his feet. Then she drags him off, and he’s cursing me and my entire family the entire time. When he’s far enough away, Carlisle steps into the study and lets the door close behind him. He waits a few more seconds before he clears his throat.
“We’ve set up the meeting.”
“Have them bring the car around. Katia will accompany me. You will stay with London.”
Carlisle nods and exits the room.
Katia is waiting by the front door when I come out. She slides into the back with me, and I spend the ride scrolling through my phone until we arrive outside a restaurant with a cursive sign outfront. The maître’d rushes to greet us, and the smell of steamed, fried dumplings and ramen hits me as I enter.
